Designing for Staff Efficiency & Retention

Efficiency through Design

A thoughtfully designed community not only lowers construction costs but also enhances operational efficiency. Combining multipurpose spaces and eliminating single-function areas are initial steps to reducing both building area and overall construction expenses.

AgeWell Solvere Living communities centralize key amenities, creating a “town center” where staff and residents naturally converge. This setup allows staff roles to overlap; someone working at the reception desk can assist at the bistro counter during slower times. Decentralized storage for supplies, linens, and equipment further supports efficiency, allowing caregivers to stay close to residents and reduce time spent on repetitive trips across the building.

Efficiency in senior living design often starts with evaluating redundancies in program spaces and finding compatibilities among common area functions. For example, merging a chapel, theater, and club room into one multi-use area, located near other activity spaces, can greatly reduce both construction and operational costs. By using flexible partition walls or barn doors, the space can open up for larger gatherings or be sectioned off for more intimate settings, maximizing functionality and utilization throughout the day.

Creating a pub café that staff can serve breakfast in the morning and can be utilized for resident hosted events or parties and events in the evening, also illustrates this design concept. This dual-purpose approach not only boosts engagement but also makes efficient use of staffing and resources. Similarly, reclaiming long, underutilized dead-end corridors by converting them into larger rentable units can increase the community’s income potential. These strategies limit other costs to ensure that essential staff amenities remain in the budget, supporting staff well-being without sacrificing operational efficiency.

While many people track their steps these days trying to hit that elusive 10,000 step goal, care staff typically have no problem exceeding that mark. In fact, some operators are tracking those steps as a measurement of how efficient their staff are and looking for ways to boost efficiency.

For a team member that is on their feet all day, it is imperative to find where a few steps can be removed in a repetitive task. For example, in an area like the kitchen, where staff are going back and forth and in and out repeatedly, cutting five extra steps to drop off the dirty dishes adds up. As the 2018 Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) standards highlight, efficient circulation patterns for staff and residents are essential for functional design. Streamlined workflows reduce physical strain on staff and ultimately contribute to a safer, more comfortable resident experience.

Design for Safety

Safety is non-negotiable for both residents and staff, and the built environment plays a fundamental role in ensuring it. Slips and falls, a leading cause of severe injuries in senior communities, are a critical design consideration.

This risk isn’t limited to residents—staff are equally susceptible to workplace injuries due to falls, which can lead to absences and operational disruptions. Safety considerations, like eliminating transition strip fall hazards and using slip-resistant flooring, mitigate these risks for everyone.

The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) introduced a Safety Risk Assessment (SRA) requirement in 2014, aimed at identifying and addressing safety risks during the design phase. The SRA covers infection control, patient handling, fall prevention, medication safety, and security. Addressing these considerations proactively helps reduce incidents related to resident care, such as medication errors or behavioral issues, which can be exacerbated by poor lighting, noise, or ineffective layout design. The excerpt below written by Ellen Taylor in the 2014 FGI Guidelines update, really illustrates the role of the built environment as the first line of defense when it comes to safety.

According to the 2018 Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) for Residential Health Facilities (section 2.3-4.3) and insights from a Center for Health Design webinar, an ideal respite area should support multiple functions: spaces for eating, resting, social interactions, and private decompression. Key design elements for these areas include natural light, biophilic elements (like indoor plants and nature-inspired decor), and access to outdoor areas, which collectively improve mental well-being and help staff recharge during their shifts.

Where possible, communities should incorporate additional amenities, such as shower facilities, overnight/emergency lodging, and dedicated training areas. These features are particularly valuable for staff who may work extended hours or overnight shifts and contribute to a more supportive, adaptable work environment. Investing in well-designed respite spaces not only enhances staff retention but also promotes a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Fostering Identity

Creating a positive work culture contributes to staff engagement and retention. AgeWell Solvere Living, which has been certified six times as a “Great Place to Work,” conducts surveys that underscore the importance of workplace identity.

Local culture, reflected in design elements such as artwork or architectural details, also fosters a sense of pride. Similar to the residents who live there, the staff likely come from the surrounding community and likely have a personal connection to where they live and work. Including imagery from a local sports team or a local historic landmark instills a sense of authenticity and community in workplace.

Finally, communities that integrate the concept of a “third place”—a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe a space for informal social interaction—can bridge the gap between home, work, and leisure. For residents and sometimes staff, senior living communities are all three of these spaces, and the design must cater to each function. Such multi-purpose design encourages a vibrant, interactive environment that benefits both residents and staff, supporting a holistic sense of belonging.

ERDMAN’s approach to senior living design is centered on creating environments that support both residents and staff, enhancing efficiency, safety, and identity. By aligning design elements with operational goals and the well-being of all community members, ERDMAN develops spaces that foster pride, connection, and resilience. Our evidence-based strategies—ranging from flexible multi-use spaces to thoughtfully designed staff respite areas—promote efficient workflows, improve safety standards, and support a sense of place for both residents and staff. As partners like AgeWell Solvere demonstrate, an environment that prioritizes efficiency and purpose not only attracts and retains a dedicated team but also enriches the resident experience. With ERDMAN’s expertise, senior living communities are empowered to balance operational success with the personal touches that make these spaces feel like home.